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Thomas Merton: An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practi
An introduction to the spiritual legacy of Thomas Merton
Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk and one of the most influential spiritual figures of the 20th century. His writing on contemplation, monastic life, mysticism, poetry, and social issues have influenced generations and his legacy of interfaith understanding and social justice endures to this day. Thomas An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices offers an exploration of Merton as a monk, as a writer, and as a human being. Author Jon M. Sweeney delves into Merton’s life and ideas with an appreciation for his work and a deep understanding of the spiritual depth that it contains.
Thomas Merton offers a unique view of the popular and sometimes controversial monk, braiding together his thoughts and practices with the reality of his life to create a full portrait of a pivotal figure. The Merton revealed in its pages is a source of inspiration and insight for those wrestling with questions of faith and spirituality.
At its core, the book is about the search for wholeness―a search Merton undertook himself throughout his lifetime and one readers can also embark on as they draw inspiration and guidance from his life.
Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk and one of the most influential spiritual figures of the 20th century. His writing on contemplation, monastic life, mysticism, poetry, and social issues have influenced generations and his legacy of interfaith understanding and social justice endures to this day. Thomas An Introduction to His Life, Teachings, and Practices offers an exploration of Merton as a monk, as a writer, and as a human being. Author Jon M. Sweeney delves into Merton’s life and ideas with an appreciation for his work and a deep understanding of the spiritual depth that it contains.
Thomas Merton offers a unique view of the popular and sometimes controversial monk, braiding together his thoughts and practices with the reality of his life to create a full portrait of a pivotal figure. The Merton revealed in its pages is a source of inspiration and insight for those wrestling with questions of faith and spirituality.
At its core, the book is about the search for wholeness―a search Merton undertook himself throughout his lifetime and one readers can also embark on as they draw inspiration and guidance from his life.
160 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2021
29 people are currently reading
1507 people want to read
About the author
Jon M. Sweeney
110 books85 followersJon M. Sweeney is an independent scholar and writer of popular history. He is married, the father of three, and lives in Montpelier, Vermont. He has worked in book publishing for 25 years: after co-founding SkyLight Paths Publishing, he was the editor in chief and publisher at Paraclete Press, and in August 2015 became editorial director at Franciscan Media Books.
He has written more than 20 books, seven about Francis of Assisi, including "When Saint Francis Saved the Church" and "The Complete Francis of Assisi." HBO has optioned the film rights to "The Pope Who Quit."
Jon's first 20 years were spent as an involved evangelical (a story told in the memoir "Born Again and Again"); he then spent 22 years as an active Episcopalian (see "Almost Catholic," among others); and on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in 2009 he was received into the Catholic Church. Today, Jon is a practicing Catholic who also prays regularly with his wife, a rabbi. He loves the church, the synagogue, and other aspects of organized religion. He would never say that he's "spiritual but not religious."
In all of his writing, Jon is drawn to the ancient and medieval (see "The Road to Assisi," and "Inventing Hell"). Many of his books have been selections of the History Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, and Quality Paperback Book Club.
He has written more than 20 books, seven about Francis of Assisi, including "When Saint Francis Saved the Church" and "The Complete Francis of Assisi." HBO has optioned the film rights to "The Pope Who Quit."
Jon's first 20 years were spent as an involved evangelical (a story told in the memoir "Born Again and Again"); he then spent 22 years as an active Episcopalian (see "Almost Catholic," among others); and on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi in 2009 he was received into the Catholic Church. Today, Jon is a practicing Catholic who also prays regularly with his wife, a rabbi. He loves the church, the synagogue, and other aspects of organized religion. He would never say that he's "spiritual but not religious."
In all of his writing, Jon is drawn to the ancient and medieval (see "The Road to Assisi," and "Inventing Hell"). Many of his books have been selections of the History Book Club, Book-of-the-Month Club, and Quality Paperback Book Club.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 4, 2022
Merton’s Seven Story Mountain is one of my favorite spiritual autobiographies. I’ve wanted to learn more about him beyond the tidbits I’ve come across here and there. This short book was a satisfying introduction to the evolution of his faith and philosophy as a spiritual seeker. It left me wanting to learn more or read more of Merton’s works. Other than SSM, I’ve only read Thoughts in Solitude. I listened to this book on audio. The author read it and did a great job.
June 5, 2021
This book is the perfect gateway to the Life and Thinking of the Trappist Monk, Thomas Merton. Jon Sweeney has written a wonderful that is up to date full of insight and useful notes on where to start reading. This slim volume can be carried and read anywhere, yet is full of information. It is the perfect loaner book if the reader has a large collection of Merton's writtings.
January 11, 2022
This book does exactly what the author sets out to do by offering an accessible, short volume that introduces the reader to Thomas Merton and the remarkable impact he had through his writings as a Trappist Monk. While I had some very basic familiarity with Thomas Merton, I think this work should reach a wide audience. Mr. Sweeney certainly holds his subject in high regard, having previously a work entitled "What I Am Living For: Lessons from the Life and Writings of Thomas Merton." However, this work was useful in understanding the substantial impact Merton has had on a wide range of people through his writings, very relevant to the current day as people work through their understanding of faith and spirituality. The idea of the search for wholeness was useful concept to read about and it certainly provided much food for thought. I'm grateful to have come across this work on this remarkable Catholic thinker.
February 21, 2022
As I seek more books on Merton and about his life along with his teachings, it's been interesting to see which aspect of his life different writers have chosen to highlight. If you read Merton's most famous works in the 21st century, they are mostly his contemplative writings on inner solitude. If you read contemporaries of him, it is most often his anti-war activism that stands out. This book by Jon Sweeney, a modern author and a fairly new book, seems to go out of his way to humanize the author, and focus on painting a complex and internally inconsistent teacher, not for the purpose of discrediting him, but to give us a more relatable Merton. A Merton found only in New Seeds or other essay collections would paint a near-perfect man, but in his letters one brimming with contradiction that exposes the struggle even a monk would have with his faith and culture. All this to say, the book gave a great overview of his life, mostly from the perspective of his journals, and, while the complexity of his life as a monk was presented, it felt aimed at people who've already read his actual teachings in New Seeds or No Man in an Island or the like, and was frustratingly absent of discussion of his actual practices or teachings, and only focused on those more confusing aspects of his life's decisions. My search for a primer to give to friends about Merton, in light of this, lives on.
June 4, 2022
About a week and a half ago, I was thinking that I'd like to read a biography of Thomas Merton. As my followers will have noticed, I've been reading a fair bit of Merton in the last two or three years and I'm currently reading (slowly! as one should) New Seeds of Contemplation. And, of course, I'm reasonably familiar with Merton's life. But I thought a decent biography might be interested and this is the first one I decided to read- available through my local library app.
This is a sound biography. It uses the various sources-Merton's writings, journals, other perspectives- quite effectively to build a picture of the man. It also, interestingly, reflects on the ambivalence some Catholics feel towards Merton, who was and is popular as a spiritual writer, but who also wrote on issues of the day (many of which are surprisingly current today) quite critically. That is, of course, one of the reasons I like him so much, as a spiritual writer who is grounded in the issues of justice and peace.
Not much new and startling comes out of this book, but it is a good start in trying to understand the complex man that Merton was. So, well worth the read.
This is a sound biography. It uses the various sources-Merton's writings, journals, other perspectives- quite effectively to build a picture of the man. It also, interestingly, reflects on the ambivalence some Catholics feel towards Merton, who was and is popular as a spiritual writer, but who also wrote on issues of the day (many of which are surprisingly current today) quite critically. That is, of course, one of the reasons I like him so much, as a spiritual writer who is grounded in the issues of justice and peace.
Not much new and startling comes out of this book, but it is a good start in trying to understand the complex man that Merton was. So, well worth the read.
May 2, 2025
A solid four stars from me ◡̈
I’ve always loved Thomas Merton and his writing, and this book was a thoughtful and engaging overview of his life and work. The author did a great job summarizing Merton’s biography, his mystical background, and weaving in meaningful excerpts from his writings throughout. It offered a helpful entry point for both newcomers and longtime admirers of Merton’s spiritual journey.
What stood out most to me was how the author highlighted the contrast between Merton’s life and that of his fellow monks—his intellectual curiosity, cultural engagement, and deep inner restlessness set him apart in compelling ways. I appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from the tensions and complexities that shaped Merton’s path, making him feel more human and relatable. I think it can be easy to think that a monastic, contemplative way of life is only meant for set apart communities, but both Merton and Sweeney make it feel more accessible.
Overall, it was a well-researched, balanced, and inspiring read that left me wanting to revisit Merton’s own works with fresh eyes.
I’ve always loved Thomas Merton and his writing, and this book was a thoughtful and engaging overview of his life and work. The author did a great job summarizing Merton’s biography, his mystical background, and weaving in meaningful excerpts from his writings throughout. It offered a helpful entry point for both newcomers and longtime admirers of Merton’s spiritual journey.
What stood out most to me was how the author highlighted the contrast between Merton’s life and that of his fellow monks—his intellectual curiosity, cultural engagement, and deep inner restlessness set him apart in compelling ways. I appreciated how the book didn’t shy away from the tensions and complexities that shaped Merton’s path, making him feel more human and relatable. I think it can be easy to think that a monastic, contemplative way of life is only meant for set apart communities, but both Merton and Sweeney make it feel more accessible.
Overall, it was a well-researched, balanced, and inspiring read that left me wanting to revisit Merton’s own works with fresh eyes.
June 29, 2021
As the subtitle indicates, this book is an introduction to the life and writings of Trappist monk Thomas Merton. It offers an honest assessment of his life, including his transgressions and foibles. Despite his fame, both during his lifetime and since, Merton, or Fr. Louis as he was known, has not always been well-regarded. Pope Francis famously named him as one of the most influential Americans in 2015, but previous, more conservative, popes were not as enamored of Merton's progressive thoughts.
The author also touches on Merton's correspondence with other notable religious and secular leaders of the mid-century, including Dorothy Day, the Dalai Lama, and others. Some direct quotes from Merton's writings are included, but just enough to whet the readers' appetite to seek out the original writings. In addition to the easily readable text, extensive notes and suggested readings are included. #ThomasMerton #NetGalley
The author also touches on Merton's correspondence with other notable religious and secular leaders of the mid-century, including Dorothy Day, the Dalai Lama, and others. Some direct quotes from Merton's writings are included, but just enough to whet the readers' appetite to seek out the original writings. In addition to the easily readable text, extensive notes and suggested readings are included. #ThomasMerton #NetGalley
May 6, 2025
Jon Sweeney has written a wise, concise introduction to the monk and spirituality writer Thomas Merton. What I liked best was how Sweeney lovingly points out Merton's contradictions and failures as a means for understanding this master better. An example is quoting from Merton's journals while being skeptical that what he wrote really reflected what Merton thought based on what he actually did that same day. That allows us to get past our view of the ideal guru and encounter the real man beneath. Of course, what makes it so hard to write such a book is the very reason we are interested in it: Merton's ideas are deep and complex and take time for us to grasp. Still, Jon makes a valiant and successful attempt since all he is promising is "an introduction." Reading and understanding more of Merton is up to us.
July 12, 2021
Well written introduction of a Trappist monk, father Louis, better known as Thomas Merton. What makes this book unique among other introductions, biographies, commentaries, guide books, etc, it is precisely its way to open the desire for those who have never read whatsoever of his writings, or to make the fire of this interest rise again.
But, especially, it permits to look upon Thomas Merton from the perspective of 21. century, without too much pathetic approach.
But, especially, it permits to look upon Thomas Merton from the perspective of 21. century, without too much pathetic approach.
May 6, 2025
I was reading some Thomas Merton for a neighborhood book club and luckily I stumbled upon this from the library. It was concise and very enjoyable to read. It is obvious that Merton means a lot to this author but he is also able to recognize his inconsistency and human flaws. I think one of the most interesting things is to see the changes and shifts Merton experienced in his abruptly ended life.
May 19, 2022
I heard Chris talk about this book on Episode 155 of the Book Cougars Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
I’ve had a copy of Merton’s book The Seven Storey Mountain for probably a couple of decades now. This interesting introduction to his life and work makes me want to finally pick it up and read it
I’ve had a copy of Merton’s book The Seven Storey Mountain for probably a couple of decades now. This interesting introduction to his life and work makes me want to finally pick it up and read it
October 13, 2024
The three is not a reflection on Merton but on this author’s writing style. At times he interjects his interpretation with little evidence. It’s not a bad introduction but there are most likely better books on Merton. It does lead you to want to read Merton directly so in that sense it’s done its job.
June 6, 2021
An excellent and very readable introduction to Merton and his work. The writing is clear, insightful, and most of all honest in its assessment of Merton’s inconsistencies. The structure of the book helps understand the development of Merton’s thought over time.
July 7, 2021
Having not known a lot of him before, this book was a good overview of his faith, practice and interaction with politics and political figures. He was a very interesting man, always searching, often failing, but never giving up.
July 20, 2021
I expected this to be more of an unbiased biography about Merton's life, instead this felt like a guy explaining the life of Merton. This book had lots of simple information, but it also was full of the author's biases and opinions.
December 21, 2021
I haven’t read anything by Merton although I’m somewhat familiar with him. I especially love the “no man is an island” phrase. So this book was perfect, it gave me an overview of his life and I am really looking forward to digging into original sources! Yay 😀
July 7, 2022
Not a perfect book, but 5 stars if you want to know more about Merton. While I may not agree with the author's theology, he has a number of interesting insights. I consider it a must-read for those who want to discover more about Merton
May 9, 2021
I read of lot of books by Thomas Merton and I think he's a spiritual master.
This book is a good introduction, well researched and well written.
I received this arc from the publisher via Netgalley
This book is a good introduction, well researched and well written.
I received this arc from the publisher via Netgalley
November 18, 2021
I appreciated Sweeney's insights about Merton, especially as his views and faith evolved and became ever more inclusive of people from all faith experiences.
July 31, 2022
A short concise look at the life and teachings and writings of Thomas Merton. A good "first look" at this influential monk. A great read!
December 6, 2023
A good short introduction to Merton's life and thought. Three stars is perhaps a tad stingy, but I've read much more in-depth wortks, so this suffers by comparison.
March 27, 2024
An honest and fascinating look at a complicated but often times heroic and courageous individual.
November 7, 2024
Nice introduction to Thomas Merton and his works.
October 18, 2022
This book is a great intro to Merton. I used it essentially as a way to get to know who he was and figure out if I wanted to take a stab at his writings. Since I was not raised Catholic I knew visually nothing about him. So I would say that if you are someone already familiar with his writing, this book I feel like would be very repetitive for you. But then again, if you've read his writings and don't know much about his personal life, it might be a good quick intro to who he was.
Overall, it did a good job putting him into context and serves ultimately as a nice little advertisement almost of Merton as a thinker and author to a generation of people that likely dont know much about him.
Overall, it did a good job putting him into context and serves ultimately as a nice little advertisement almost of Merton as a thinker and author to a generation of people that likely dont know much about him.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews